Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley to step down on Friday:

[admin]

Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley is stepping down on Friday, as back problems are forcing him to prematurely call it a career.

More... (http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090715/CARNEWS/907159993)

[WayneB]

Although I was initially shocked by the news I am glad he is retiring in one piece.

For a 71 year old man to have been tackling the workload he has, its been nothing short of amazing IMO and he has nothing to be ashamed of by handing in his resignation whilst he is still capable of standing up.

What worries me is that he must be in quite alot of pain to have done this and I hope his heath issues are curable with no long term ill effects.

His shoes will be very hard to fill (if not impossible) , he certainally accomplished the herculean task of returning Lotus to profitability , something which many of his predessors failed to achive.

I was lucky enough to have met him a few years ago and enjoyed a long conversation with he and his lovely wife over drinks, he really is a true gentleman and a nice down to earth person.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/WayneBarr/MJK.jpg?t=1247680262

[Mark B.]

Mike's done a great job and Lotus. Shame he's stepping down, though I've not about his intentions for sometime. Really hope the next CEO is better than Mike predecessors.

[WayneB]

I had herd on the grapevine he was thinking of calling it a day, but I thought (and hoped)he would try and stretch it out till the intro of the new "Esprit"

I guess that option was not really possible when the launch date went forwards to 2011.

One of my favourite pics I have of Mike is from the Lotus Total Technology brochure from the mid 70's, he is looking over some technical blueprints with Colin Chapman and Tony Rudd.
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/WayneBarr/PB150056.jpg?t=1247703578
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/WayneBarr/PB150063-1.jpg?t=1247777443

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/WayneBarr/PB150054.jpg?t=1247703808

[Kylie]

Wow nice one Wayne :icon18:

[RoadDad]

MJK has done such a stellar job of resurrecting Lotus. They certainly wouldn't be where they are today if it wasn't for him. I just hope that the momentum and success that he has created continues.

I wish him the best. He deserves it.

[Kylie]

I echo your comments RoadDad, hes a great man and someones got their work cut out for them to fill this huge role :weight_lift:

[RoadDad]

Personally, I'd give running Lotus a go, but only if MJK gave me his personal cellphone number ;).

[Brian Skeoch]

great photo's Wayne.

[WayneB]

Thanks Brian.:)

So the million dollar question is who will be Mike Kimberley's successor?

One would hope that it is someone that Mike himself reccomends, someone who shares a genuine loyalty and love for Lotus.

Mike was mentored by Mr.Chapman and carried on the running of the company at the most dire time of Lotuses past after the sudden death of Colin Chapman.

I have read somewheres a suggestion that Roger Becker may be the one, but much as some people would like that I doubt he will be taking hold of the reigns as Roger Becker isnt getting any younger and has suffered health problems himself in the not to distant past.

Ditto to Arnie Johnson, I dont doubt he does a great job of running Lotus Cars USA, but running the parent company is a another matter entirely.

Hopefully the Proton board will not be bringing in a CEO from the Malasian side of the company , Lotus needs a dynamic, hardworking , Loyal CEO who totally understands the task of running a relitively small underdog car company based out in the middle of carrott crunching country.

My bet is the new CEO will be promoted from within.

Luke Bennett?

http://www.themanufacturer.com/uk/alliance/uploads/cc80f5e5c91072f0fdb6441a6683b9665.jpg

[WayneB]

Anybody know If Mike Kimberley was thrown a retirement party on friday?:confused:

[WayneB]

Brain Angus kindly sent an email describing what happened at Mikes leaving presentation.

All of the Lotus workforce were invited and Mike chatted informally with everyone for about half an hour.

Roger Becker presented Mike with a special hand made model of an Evora and there was a car display of an Evora and the first production S1 Esprit that belongs to Gordon Masson.

Lots of photos were taken which should be made public soon.(looking forwards to seeing them)

It was a very memorable occasion.